Monday, February 22, 2010

Matt Thurber Released From Team

Andy Baggot is reporting the news that I had feared. Matt Thurber has been released from the Wisconsin Hockey team effective immediately. His scholarship will continue through the rest of this season.

Thurber, a sophomore forward from Beaver Dam has played in nine games this season for the Badgers registering three assists. Last season as a freshman, Thurber played in 33 games while putting up 8 points.

From the article: Eaves said he met last Friday with Thurber and his father, Ray. UW officials reviewed details of the case last week, but the decision to release Thurber fell to Eaves. "That was my choice,'' he said.

Thurber has generally been looked at as an undervalued player on the UW roster by many Badger fans including yours truly. A gritty centerman with skill is how I viewed him. He was considered a prospect to center one of the top three lines next season.

Before Thurber came to Wisconsin he played three productive seasons in the USHL with Omaha. In his last season he as an alternate captain for the Lancers. That season he registered 53 points in 58 games.

According to an early Andy Baggot story, "Thurber was charged with misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct after an alleged domestic dispute early Monday morning."

There have been rumors floating around about the details. I'm going to refrain from posting them due to respect for the Thurber family during this troubling time.

Thurber will have two seasons of eligibility left if he wishes to transfer to another D-1 program. He will have to sit out next season due to NCAA transfer guidelines. Best of luck in future endeavors Matt.

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